State Theatre of Ithaca Fall 2023 Season Program

TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP

PRESIDENTS:

Fred Bonn

Ethan Ash

VICE

Wendy Marsh, Esq.

SECRETARY:

Jennifer Tavares

TREASURER:

Kim Yeoh

DIRECTORS:

Erik Gray

Suzanne Smith

Jablonski

Jon Jensen

Thomas Knipe

Michael Kuo

Ellen McCollister

Michael Moyer

Scott Nostrand, P.E.

Nia Nunn, PhD

BUSINESS

DEVELOPMENT

Rachel Grant

EVENT MANAGER:

Sarah Flenders

PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Adam Zonder

Lange BACK

HOT TUNA

BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW

SAMMY RAE AND THE FRIENDS

STEVE HACKETT: GENESIS REVISITED

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND

THE MACHINE RUBBLEBUCKET

CARPENTER & SHAWN COLVIN

THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR

+LIVE+ UNPLUGGED

JOE GATTO’S NIGHT OF COMEDY

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX STATE THEATRE’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

ITHACA BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER

YOUʼVE ARRIVED!

The Hotel Ithaca offers a luxurious home base for exploring the best of the Finger Lakes region. Steps from Downtown and Ithaca Commons with easy proximity to Cornell University, Ithaca College Cayuga Lake, hiking trails, pristine waterfalls, and wineries.

• Luxurious guest rooms & suites

• Complimentary beverages in lobby

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Fully-equipped fitness center

• Free shuttle service to Tompkins Regional Airport, Ithaca College, and Cornell University

For more information or reservations call 607.272.1000 | thehotelithaca.com Hotel Ithaca is owned by Buffalo-based Hart Hotels, a family-run company with a rich tradition of hospitality.

WELCOME TO YOUR STATE THEATRE OF ITHACA!

It is with great pleasure that I extend to you a warm and heartfelt welcome to the State Theatre of Ithaca!

We are so excited for this season and are thrilled that you are a part of it. Thanks to our friends at DSP Shows, we have an AMAZING lineup of performances for you this fall. The lineup includes everything from comedy to americana, indie rock to blues. With the addition of some incredible family-friendly shows produced by local talent partners at the Ithaca Ballet and Running to Places, there’s a little something for everyone this season at the State.

While the shows rock on this fall, there are other changes happening here behind the scenes. On your way in today, you may have noticed that our Box Office has moved. Not to worry, it hasn’t gone far - just to the other side of the Theatre. Moving the Box Office was the first step in our efforts to make some exciting improvements to the State Theatre. Check out the next page for more info on what is in store.

As we look to the future, we are continuing to look at ways of improving both the patron AND artist experience, while always keeping an eye on our historic past. As a not-forprofit organization, these projects and improvements are ONLY possible through the generous contributions of our community of supporters. As you leaf through this program, take note of our amazing group of donors, members, business sponsors, and volunteers – all of which have a part to play in allowing us to be the stewards of this historic space. If you enjoy your time here today, we would love for you to consider joining us as a donor or member of the State Theatre!

Enjoy the show and thank you for being a part of the vast fabric of our history at the State Theatre.

Doug Levine Executive Director

Welcome to the 2023/24 Season at the State Theatre of Ithaca!

Itis an absolute pleasure to introduce you to a highly anticipated season of performances here at the State Theatre of Ithaca. Last season finally provided a sense of normalcy following a time of struggle. I can’t even begin to describe how it felt to see this theater bursting with life again - it put a smile on my face and I only hope it did the same for you. This year, we are back and better than ever with already over 21 shows booked this fall alone and so much more to come!

Looking ahead at our 17th season of booking at the State Theatre, there is plenty to be excited about. We kick off this fall with some rock and roll featuring Tommy Emmanuel, The Machine, Hot Tuna and Kurt Vile. In addition to music, there will be performances by Hasan Minhaj, Joe Gatto and Nurse Blake to keep the pulse of comedy alive and well in Ithaca. We are proud to feature some well renowned names like Lyle Lovett, blues legend Robert Cray, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin, and American rock band +LIVE+ as we move through the fall. Grammy award winners everywhere…

Last year, we opened our doors to unknown territory in an industry that was just getting back on its feet after the pandemic. The amount of community support we received was incredible and we could not have pulled off a successful season without your patronage. Our small town of Ithaca continues to stand out as a touring destination for world class artists, all thanks to you. So let’s do it again, shall we? Join our mailing list at dspshows.com, tell your friends about the shows you’re excited to see, and continue to spread the word about the State Theatre of Ithaca!

All

the best, Dan Smalls Exclusive Talent Buyer

TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP

TUES

SEPT. 12

—2023—

8:00PM

With Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams. A four-time winner of Australia’s Best Guitarist Award, has helped bring the art of rock guitar down under to a higher awareness by bringing a sense of jazz improvisation into a mix that also includes blues, country, rock, classical, and Spanish music.

THE MACHINE

FRI

SEPT. 15

—2023—

8:00PM

The Machine has forged a 30+ year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. The New York-based quartet performs a diverse mix of The Floyd’s extensive 16-album repertoire, complete with faithful renditions of popular hits as well as obscure gems.

No outside food or beverages are permitted in the theatre. Empty bottles/containers are allowed and the theatre has a water fountain. Smoking and VAPING are NOT permitted in any public buildings in New York State. This includes the use of Electronic Cigarettes

Please leave weapons of any kind in your vehicle (management reserves the right to define, this includes any sharp objects, knifes or single edge blades)

Mobile telephones and electronic devices are to be turned off during all performances.

®

Feel free to obsess over every detail of your trip, but let us obsess over you once you arrive. Each room comes with refigerator, microwave, Kuerig and high-speed internet. We also have Kilpatrick’s Publick House located on the main level serving lunch and dinner for congregating or evening room service for hibernating. So come visit soon. The stage is set for a great stay!

Photography, video cameras and audio recorders will not be permitted without the consent of the promoter. Please leave these devices at home or in your car.

No animals are allowed inside the theatre unless they are certified service animals.

For shows that do allow Re-Entry, please present your ticket stub when re-entering the theatre. THANK YOU!

HOT TUNA

MON SEPT. 18

—2023—

8:00 PM

Formed as a side project by two Jefferson Airplane members, they became a solid blues-rock unit with a cult following on the jam band circuit.

BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS

TUES SEPT. 19

—2023—

8:00PM

Singer/songwriter and pianist whose breezy, nonchalant style made his numerous hits of the 1980s instantly recognizable.

Equal Housing Lender. ©2017 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.

NURSE BLAKE: SHOCK ADVISED TOUR

WED SEPT. 20

—2023—

8:00 PM

Nurse Blake is a nurse, creator, advocate, touring comedian and so much more. From an early age, he knew he wanted to be a Nurse and started working as a patient transporter at 17.

KURT VILE & THE VIOLATORS

THURS SEPT. 21

—2023— 8:00 PM

Philly guitar hero built a celebrated discography around his dazed and confused update to straightforward roots rock.

Proud

Attorneys:

Carrie J. Pollak

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OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW

SAT

SEPT. 23

—2023— 8:00PM

Old Crow Medicine Show revitalized old-timey string bands for the 21st century, playing hillbilly tunes, bluegrass, blues, and folk with a rock & roll verve.

SAMMY RAE AND THE FRIENDS

SUN

SEPT. 24

—2023—

8:00PM

Reflecting influences ranging from folk and classic rock to funk and Latin music, singer and songwriter Sammy Rae developed her celebratory, soul-infused pop in the clubs and bars of New York during the mid-2010s.

LYLE LOVETT & CHRIS ISAAK

TUES

OCT. 3

—2023—

8:00PM

A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums.

Moody and expressive singer Chris Isaak’s retro style (informed by rockabilly and vintage pop) made him a ‘90s hitmaker.

STEVE HACKETT: GENESIS REVISITED

FRI

OCT. 6

—2023— 8:00PM

Steve Hackett may be bestknown as lead guitarist with Genesis between 1971 and 1977, during the band’s transition from prog outsiders to chart success.

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE: A CONVERSATION WITH JON HEDER, EFREN RAMIREZ & JON GRIES

SUN

OCT. 8

—2023—

8:00PM

Event is BYOT (Bring Your Own Tots) This unique evening includes a full screening of “Napoleon Dynamite” followed by a lively, freewheeling, moderated discussion with fan-favorite cast members; Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico).

HASAN MINHAJ

FRI

OCT. 13

—2023—

7:00PM

Comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. Born of Indian descent, much of Minhaj’s comedy centers around his takes on Indian culture and the modern American political landscape through the use of satire, observational comedy, and black comedy

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND

SAT

OCT.14

—2023—

8:00PM

The guitarist who brought blues back to the charts in the ‘80s via songs that defined blues themes but added modern and personal twists.

DSP SHOWS PRESENTS

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER & SHAWN COLVIN

SAT

OCT. 21

—2023—

8:00PM

Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician Mary Chapin Carpenter will embark on an extensive tour this fall with her longtime friend, Shawn Colvin. These special shows will feature the acclaimed songwriters performing material from their vast catalogues as well as some of their favorite songs, appearing on stage together as an intimate acoustic duo, swapping songs and sharing stories.

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INDIGO GIRLS

THURS

OCT. 26

—2023—

7:30PM

Folk duo whose adroit combination of distinct personalities and songwriting styles provides tension and an interesting balance.

Looking West on State Street. Summer, 1957

Photo Courtesy of The History Center in Tompkins County

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP

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THANK YOU STATE THEATRE

Nancy Grossman

Luce Guanzini & Mark Baustian

Heidi & Jim Hanley

David & Michelle Heck

Denise Grout

Margaret

Sol Gruner & Rosemarie Parker

Charles Guttman & Shirley Ladd

Christine Hass

Daryl Hill

Ann Halp

Andrew Hathorn

Andrew Hillman

John Hinchcliff

Thomas Hirasuna & Jean Hunter

Rob Hollander

Christopher Holmes & Pamela Tan

Saoirse McClory & Lawrence Hirschberger

Jeffrey Honig

Deborah Hoover

Mary & William Hornbuckle

Jean Hubbell

Priscilla Hurdle

Judith Hyman

David & Amy Iles

Joan & Robert Johnston

Michael Jacobs

Jon & Mary Lee Jensen

Harry & Beverly Jonas

Robert

Joyce

John & Susan Kaemmerlen

Lee Kaltman

Mary Kane

Mike & Mary Katherine Kearns

Uadajane Ketcham & Margo Denman

Thomas King

Leslie Kinsland

Benjamin Kirk & Emily Nester

Barbara Knuth & Kurt Jirka

William & Nancy Kline

Thomas Knipe

Roger Kreiger

Elizabeth Kreitinger

Scott Kronenbitter

David Kuckuk & Sheila Danko

Benjamin Kuo

Michael & Laura Kuo

Bob Kur & Cathy Porter

Sharon & Nicholaos Lambrou

Bruce & Heather Lane

Jonathan Laskowitz

George Lawson

Michael & Anne Ledbetter

Aija Leiponen

Brent & Alison Lemberg

Rita Leon

Chuck Lester

Ronni & Richard Levine

Laura Lewis & Kevin Murphy

Jillian Liner • Jon Lipman

Peter Littman

Dr. Gerard Lippert & Dr. Kathleen Hefferon

Thomas LiVigne

Alan Lockett

Enid Littman

Jeffrey & Cathy Long

Sheila Squier

Christopher Stutzman

Helen Talty

Lisa & Scott Smith

Jr.

& Theresa Fulton

Eric Taylor

Arthur

Charles & Nancy Trautmann

Verne Thalheimer

Mack & Carol Travis

Joanne Trutko & Christopher Carey

Arnold & Hannelore Tunison

Hendrik Van Cort & Elisabeth Prentice

John Ulrich & Lynn Pifer

Allan & Suzanne

Jane & Gregory Vanscoy

Douglas & Megan Turnbull

JoAnne & Robert Vanscoy

David Vollenweider

Robert & Nancy Walsh

& Roberta Walcer

Weiss & Martha Hamilton

& Brad Edmondson

Jennifer Weinraub & David Evelyn

Mark Wenham

Tania Wer

William J. White

J effrey Wick & Jackie Bowser

Shannon & James Wilmot

& Arthur Kuckes

Linda Williams & Lynn Wiles

Alicia & Mark Wittink

Peter & Barbara Wright

Barbara Yarema & Christine Cordway

Joel Wysong

Martha Wri

James Yaggie

Mark & Ingrid Zabel

Cathy & Richard

Joel & Cathy Zumoff

Kim Yeoh

Stephen & Christine Zinder

RUBBLEBUCKET

SAT

OCT. 28

—2023—

8:00PM

A spirited indie pop dance-band with a reggae-pop past and a penchant for worldbeat and skainfused arrangements.

BLIPPI: THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR

MON

OCT. 30

—2023—

7:00PM

Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!

THE HEAD AND THE HEART

—2023—

8:00PM

An acclaimed indie folk band whose influences include Americana, country-rock, and classic Beatlesque pop, the Head and the Heart was formed in Seattle by a group of Northwestern transplants.

—2023—

8:00PM

“After a multi-year break from touring, I am totally ecstatic about singing and playing for LIVE fans again!” says +LIVE+ singer, songwriter and frontman Ed Kowalczyk about the multiplatinum and critically acclaimed band’s tour dates this fall.

JOE GATTO’S NIGHT OF COMEDY

—2023—

7:00PM

Joe Gatto, a well-known comedian, actor, and producer, is best known for the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” He is one of the founding members of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe who has toured with a live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world.

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX

—2023—

8:00 PM

Time-tripping ensemble, led by Scott Bradlee, that performs current hit tunes in vintage jazz, blues, and pop styles.

STATE THEATRE MEMBERS

Ethan & Rachel Ash

David & Joanna Bock

Fred & Sara Bonn

Shirley Brodginski

Margaret Browning

Chip Bryce

Gary Bucci & Teresa

Bucci Vossen

Mary Buckland

Shari Carpenter

Jessica Cassidy & Brian Rohan

John & Chris Colvin

Bruce Deiseroth & Linda Santos

Eric Devin

Scott Erickson

Maria & Darin

Fitzpatrick

Brian Florczyk

Katie Foley

Theresa & Steven

Fulton

Rob Gearhart &

Marybeth Tarzian

Tom & Jean Gerow

Erik Gray

Hilary Greenberger

Lesley Greene

Peter & Kristin

Grossman

Dave & Michelle Heck

Amie Herman

Andrew Hillman

Jeffery Honig

Kelly Houk

Joni Hubbard

James Hyla

Jon & Mary Lee

Jensen

David Jones

Lee Kaltman

Mary Katherine & Mike Kearns

Uadajane & Margo

Ketcham

Tom Knipe

Benjamin Kuo

Barbara & Kurt Knuth

Mike & Laura Kuo

Michael & Anne Ledbetter

Jeff & Cathy Long

David & Marianne

Lubin

Michelle Manning

John March

Gary Marsden

Wendy Marsh

Julian Martin

Keith & Eileen McCafferty

Mark & Reneta

McCarthy

Ellen McCollister & Robert Frank

Mary McDonald & George Moore

David Mountin

Michael Moyer

Patrick Moylan

Scott & Valerie

Nostrand

Dr. Nia Nunn

John O’Leary

Jared Pittman

Christopher Pollock & Kerry Curran

Austin Reid

Bruce Richards

Susan Robinson

Mickie SandersJauquet

Carrie Shearer

Jonathan Smith

Tim Stone

Rob Swarthout

Jennifer Tavares

Virginia Tesi

Verne Thalheimer

Carole Tota

Arnold & Hannelore

Tunison

Douglas Turnbull

Olaf van Bruggen

Mark Wenham

Jim Yaggie

Kim Yeoh & Jason

Hamilton

Fern Zinszer

Joel & Cathy

Zumoff

2023-24 STATE THEATRE

VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to our volunteers, for their support last season. Below is our list of dedicated community members. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Sarah Flenders at Sarah@stateofithaca.org or 607-277-8283 ext. 803.

Leagh Anderson

Maher Bahloul

Christine Balestra

Beth Bannister

Louis Barbone

Pennee Barresi

Susan Barry

Amy Bartimer

Adam Bauchner

James Bedore

Quinn Bedore

Craig Beil

Andy Boehm

Marrna Boerman

Seth Brahler

Marie “Spike” Brooks

Edna Brown

Eletha Gayle Carbajal

Donna Catone

Joel Cisne

Steve Clapp

Alexandra Connor

William Connor

Kim Conrad

Fullis Conroy

Meredith Conroy

Rebecca Creamer

Nancy Cusumano

Neil Daley

Bunny DeMember

Chris Devenpeck

Jyl Dowd

Dan Doyle

Diane Doyle

Scott Doyle

Kathy Duell

Kathy Earnest-Koons

Karen Edelstein

Gary Fine

Jen Forbes

Patricia Foster

Anne Marie Fraboni

Janice Frossard

Beth Goelzer

Paul Goldschmidt

Nick Goldsmith

Mike Greene

Judy Groves

Aaron Guilbeau

Holly Gump

Daryl Hill

Victoria Hodge

Salis Hollis

Barbara Horton

Jon Jensen

Ethan Jones

Gabrielle Kahn

Jennifer Karchmer

Jack Katz

Jessica Keeney

Paul Kimball

Leslie Kinsland

Sandra Kisner

Dan Klein

Peter Krakow

Dave Kraskow

Beth Krause

Charles Kroll

Catherine Layton

Katie Looby

Vivian Lorenzo

Jennifer Lovell

Joe McMahon

Paul Menhennett

Kim Morrell

Lynn Moshen

Michael Moyer

John Mras

Ed Napiorkowski

Cynthia Nicholson

Melissa O’Banion

Connie O’Brien

Ojok Okello

Diane Olden

Joshua Orkin

Rebecca Plante

Darius Preikstas

Marek Przezdziecki

Jon Raimon

Joanne Recupero

Edward Rogers

Ellie Rosenberg

Dahlia Rosenthal

Linda Santos

Joe Scaffido

Harvey Shapiro

Cari Shiel

Raymond Stiefel

Eileen Stout

Carolyn Tomaino

Joanne Trutko

Mark Tucker

Joseph Wetmore

Elizabeth Windstein

Sarah Wright

Dee Zajac

The State Theatre would like to extend a very special thanks to Cynthia and Leslie Kinsland for once again donating the use of their grand piano for the 2023-2024 season. It has graced our stage for the past 17 seasons.

STATE THEATRE OF ITHACA

POLICIES

BOX OFFICE: (607) 277-8283

Our tickets are sold through the State Theatre Box Office located at 113 West State St/MLK Jr St., and Online at www.stateofithaca.org.

STATE THEATRE BOX OFFICE HOURS

Thursday through Saturday 10am to 5pm Monday - Wednesday By Appointment Only On performance days, The State Theatre Box Office opens two hours before doors open, and will remain open until one hour past curtain.

Group sales are sold through The State Theatre Box Office at (607) 277-8283

BOX OFFICE POLICIES

The State Theatre Box Office is located right next door to the Theatre. Box Office hours are ThursdaySaturday 10am-5pm. The Box Office will open two hours prior to door timeon all other days if there is a performance scheduled. TheBox Office stays open up to one hour past the start of theshow for all events.

NO REFUNDS

All ticket sales are final. Refunds will be issued only when TheState Theatre cancels the performance or when deemedappropriate by The State Theatre Box Office. For this reason, we strongly encourage purchasing from us directly through TIXR and not through resellers, or else we are unable to issue any refund.

LOST TICKETS

The Box office can reprint your tickets provided you have thecredit card used for the purchase, a photo ID, or thetransaction information. The State Theatre Box Office cannotprint or reprint tickets purchased from resellers.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

If a performance takes place despite weather conditions,The State Theatre will not issue refunds to patrons who didnot attend. When in doubt, call the Box Office to confirm aperformance.

SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED

Seating for the physically challenged (those not limited to a wheelchair) is available in all orchestra sections. Wheelchair and companion seating is available in the right and left orchestra sections. Please specify wheelchair seating or describe any special needs when ordering your tickets. We currently are not able to provide audio description or sign interpretation for most events, however we can accommodate requests for small groups. Please call the theatre office for hearing or visually impaired requests.

PARKING

As the State Theatre does not have a parking lot of our own,municipal garages are located at the corner of Tioga andSeneca Streets (Seneca Garage), S. Cayuga Street acrossfrom Hotel Ithaca (Cayuga Garage) and Green Street acrossfrom the Tompkins County Library (Green Street Garage Nearby street parking may also be available.

THANK YOU FOR NOT SMOKING

New York State Law prohibits smoking in the theatre. There is a designated smoking area outside of the Theatre and clear of the entrances. This includes the use of e-cigarettes and vaporizers.

RENT OUR THEATRE

Many organizations use The State Theatre to present entertainment, celebrate significant events, for business and social functions or for fundraising events. Please contact info@stateofithaca.org

PHOTO POLICY

Photography, video cameras and audio recorders will not bepermitted without the consent of the promoter. Please leavethese devices at home or in your car.

For More Information and Frequently Asked Questions, visit WWW.STATEOFITHACA.ORG/FAQ/

The State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. would like to thank the City of Ithaca’s Community Development Block Grant Program for all of their generous support. Additionally, we are grateful for the assistance received from the Tompkins County Tourism Program, the Community Arts Partnership, and all of the wonderful donors who continue to make this dream a reality.

EVERY PERSON, REGARDLESS OF AGE, MUST HAVE A TICKET TO BE ADMITTED TO A PERFORMANCE. THERE CAN BE NO EXCEPTIONS

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STATE THEATRE

As one of the region’s most significant and historic arts venues, The State Theatre of Ithaca is proud to commemorate its 90th anniversary with a celebration of local music and performers. The historic building has long served the community as a gathering place, dating back to its earliest days as a garage and car dealership.

Opening Act

Less than a decade after the first Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line, The Ithaca Journal announced construction of an automobile garage at 107-119 W. State Street on June 8, 1915. Although advertisements for the garage began appearing in November, construction was completed by end of December. The building’s architect, Henry N. Hinckley, had graduated from Cornell University’s College of Architecture only four years earlier. Born in Trumansburg, Hinckley would have a long career in Ithaca as a banker, city building commissioner, residential property manager, and antique collector. His home at 410 E. Seneca Street became the Hinckley Foundation Museum after his death in 1969.

The fireproof garage was a two-story (plus basement) building of buff-colored brick with a copper front and large plate-glass windows. Built by the Ithaca Security Company, a mortgage and real estate firm, the building was called the Security Garage and leased to the Bovard Brothers, who adver-

By Cory Ryan Earle

tised it as “all that the name implies” and “the most complete repair shop in Central New York.” In addition to offices and showrooms, the building also contained a machine shop, paint shop, and vulcanizing plant with an electric elevator to move vehicles between levels. A compressed air system for inflating tires was available both curbside and inside. With capacity for 200 cars, the garage sold brands like Overland, Willys-Knight, Oakland, KissleKar, Cole Eight, and Detroit Electric, bringing electric vehicles to Ithaca long before the introduction of charging stations and the Tesla Roadster. The vehicle repairs and sales were supplemented by a livery and taxicab service. The building also housed the Universal Motor Company sales room and service station for Ford automobiles, claiming that “a complete car can be built from parts in our stockroom.” By 1919, these businesses were replaced by The Finger Lakes Garage, Inc., which sold Franklin, Overland, and Studebaker automobiles while advertising skilled mechanics and quick service.

The building was also used for community functions and meetings. It served as a polling place for the first district of Ithaca’s second ward, which now votes at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center.

As early as February 1916, the Security Garage hosted an Ithaca Board of Commerce banquet. As possibly the building’s

first major musical event, the banquet was followed by a performance of the Bakeshop Orchestra under the direction of S. H. Ayer, a Class of 1914 Cornellian who wrote the music and lyrics for the school song “Cornell Victorious.”

From Sales Floor to Stage

The 1920s saw the growing popularity of large, ornate “movie palaces.” The era of silent films, such as those produced in Ithaca by Theodore and Leopold Wharton from 1914 to 1919, was transitioning to “talkies” following the popularity of The Jazz Singer in 1927. At the time, Ithacans could view movies at downtown theaters like the Lyceum, Crescent, and Strand. In

1928, the Finger Lakes Garage relocated to 110 W. Green Street. The State Street building was sold to Cornell Theaters, Inc., a group of Elmira investors who planned to open a new theater in Ithaca. The corporation was led by Lewis Henry, a 1909 Cornell graduate who briefly served in the U.S. House of Representatives to fill a vacancy from 1922 to 1923. After failing to win reelection, he returned to his legal career and business interests in Elmira. Henry joined with an associate at his law firm, Arthur F. McCann, a 1916 Cornell graduate and son of a noted Elmira judge. Henry and McCann also included experienced theater owners Harry and Benjamin Berinstein. Only two years earlier, the brothers had taken over management of a new theater in Elmira, today known as the Clemens Center. By 1928, they owned and operated seven theaters ranging across New York from Dunkirk to Elmira to Albany.

The conversion of the garage into a majestic theater was led by architect Victor Rigaumont, who had recently completed extensive renovations to what is now the Lucille Ball

Little Theatre in Jamestown, NY. Rigaumont designed or renovated more than forty theaters throughout the northeast during his career, an enterprise that he called the “Gold Rush Theatre Building Business.” Some of Rigaumont’s remaining buildings include the Smith Opera House in Geneva, NY; Barrow Civic Theater in Franklin, PA; Erie Playhouse in Erie, PA; and Oaks Theater in Oakmont, PA. The construction was completed by a local firm owned by Jes J. Dall, Jr., a Cornell classmate of McCann who constructed buildings throughout Cornell, Ithaca, and Cayuga Heights.

Although the garage’s exterior remained largely unchanged besides the addition of a marquee and ticket booth, Rigaumont transformed the interior with a mixture of Moorish, Renaissance Revival, and Collegiate Gothic styles. A steam shovel was used to excavate the orchestra pit and 150 tons of steel girders were removed from the building. Furnishings and equipment were provided by a number of local businesses. The Schumann baby grand piano came from Hickey’s Music Store and the neon sign from Flexlume Signs of Buffalo, both still in business today. Ithaca’s Rothschild’s Department Store provided the seats. The organ, the largest ever provided to a theater by the Link Organ Company of Binghamton, cost approximately $26,000, had around 2,000 pipes, and used 20,000 feet of wiring. The Link Organ Company ceased production the following year, making it one of their last.

The new facility included 3,100 light bulbs, 2,012 letters for the marquee, 1,818 seats, 32 drop sets for vaudeville productions, and 8 dressing rooms. The iconic neon sign outside with red letters and a green border, considered the largest in the Southern Tier at the time, was so unique that newspapers included scientific explanations of neon lighting,

noting that it was “invented in Europe and is now used almost exclusively on Broadway.” Rigaumont also introduced elements of atmospheric theaters, a popular trend at the time. The ceiling was dotted with lights to simulate twinkling stars along with a cloud machine to add further ambiance. Constellations of the Zodiac completed the ceiling design.

Inspired by Ithaca’s “educational atmosphere,” Rigaumont incorporated collegiate symbolism throughout the interior. Along the left and right sides of the stage are emblems representing the eight individual colleges of Cornell University (as of 1928), while directly above the stage are six shields for Navy, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, the Carnegie Institute of Technology (Rigaumont’s alma mater, now Carnegie Mellon University), Yale, and Army. Emblems representing the United States are on the left wall to the side of the stage, with emblems for Oxford University and two of its colleges on the right wall. The ceiling showcases emblems of over 60 other colleges and universities, with Cornell University’s emblem front and center. Windows throughout the building include stained glass designs depicting the insignia of Cornell fraternities and honor societies.

Curtains Up

With opening night set for Thursday, December 6, 1928, workmen rushed to complete the renovations and interior decorations on time. The newly-hired general manager for the theater, Joseph Saperstein, arrived in Ithaca on the Saturday before opening, leaving his job as manager of Harmanus Bleecker Hall in Albany. Saperstein had started his theater career as a program boy at the Rand Opera House in Troy, NY, before owning a circuit of theaters in Connecticut and serving as president of the Theater Owners of Connecticut.

The Cornell Daily Sun dedicated five full pages to articles and advertisements about the State Theatre on opening day, with details on the design, construction, management, and performers. The paper’s editorial read: “To the new State Theater which is throwing wide its doors this evening, we open our hearts and our purse. Magnificent and splendid without a trace of garishness or tinsel, this stately dignified theater is easily Ithaca’s loveliest building.” Twenty Cornell students in tuxedos were hired as ushers. With doors opening at 6:00 p.m., tickets priced at 50 cents sold out within the hour for the opening performance at 6:45 p.m.

The evening began with an organ recital by noted organist Harry Springer, followed by newsreels, and then remarks by Joseph F. Hickey, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and founder of Hickey’s Music Center. Theater corporation president Lewis Henry gave remarks on behalf of the theater. The main event was Paul Tremaine and his Aristocrats of Modern Music, a dance band of 21 “peppy, snappy entertainers” described in advertisements as “rhythm running riot,” an avalanche of melody,” “synco-symphonic-syncopation,” and “something different every minute.” Tremaine’s ensemble had performed throughout the country, making a name for itself as jazz’s popularity grew. For the theater opening, they featured singers and dancers the Swift Sisters (Helen and Mary), Johnny Scott, and Ruth Ford. The live performance was followed by a showing of Show Girl, a silent comedy-drama film that had debuted in September. Based on a novel of the same name by J. P. McEvoy, the film starred Alice White as aspiring Broadway star Dixie Dugan.

With a second performance of the “gala bill” of live music and film scheduled for 9:00 p.m., crowds began to gather outside before the first show had finished, with one report

noting that attendees “overflowed the sidewalk outside the theater and blocked traffic on West State Street.” The show was staged twice per night that Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, followed the next week by showings of West of Zanzibar, a silent film starring Lon Chaney as a vengeful magician and Lionel Barrymore as his rival.

Intermezzo

Within two weeks of opening, crowds at The State Theatre were so common that an auxiliary box office had to be installed on State Street to cut down on delays. On January 20, 1929, six weeks after opening, the first “sound motion picture” was shown. Alias Jimmy Valentine, MetroGoldwyn-Mayer’s first partially talking film, led the way for films advertised later that year as “100% talking.” In March 1929, locals were treated to film footage of Cornell itself, with advertisements reading, “Hear and See Students Going to Class, Talk by Coach Jack Moakley, Boxing By Students.” Recorded by Fox Movietone, the campus footage was incorporated into newsreels shown throughout the country. Perhaps the most unusual performance was by Mary the rhinoceros in May 1934, who toured the country promoting the film Tarzan and His Mate before ending up in a circus.

From its start, The State Theatre found ways to give back to the community, often hosting benefit shows featuring vaudeville, film, and music. During the Great Depression, the theater worked with local organizations to host December benefits in support of unemployed Ithacans. In 1935, the theater hosted a charity event for families affected by the devastating local flood. But as films grew in popularity, live performances and vaudeville entertainment were gradually phased out of the regular schedule.

Although The State Theatre was originally the only property owned by Cornell Theaters, Inc., the corporation acquired the Strand, Crescent, and Lyceum theaters in 1929. In 1930, the Temple Theater was added and the Crescent

was converted to a dance hall. Julius Berinstein, uncle of the Berinstein brothers who founded Cornell Theaters, became the new general manager and remained in the role for decades. The four downtown theaters were particularly popular with college students, and Cornellians of the mid-twentieth century fondly remember a time when the theaters could be identified by nicknames based on geographic distance from the campus: the near-near (Strand), far-near (Temple), near-far (State), and far-far (Ithaca).

In 1965, Cornell Theaters, Inc. completed a monopoly by acquiring the last independent theater in town, adding the Ithaca Theater to its portfolio of the Strand, Temple, and State downtown, as well as the Dryden Drive-In and the Cinema near Triphammer Mall. But audiences were dwindling and the enormous State Theater rarely reached capacity. Four years later, just over forty years since the founding of the Cornell Theaters corporation, all six of their properties were leased to Panther Theater Corp. of New York City for $3.5 million.

In 1976, The State Theatre balcony was walled off to create a second screen. The first floor became State I and the second floor was billed as State II “under the stars and clouds.” That same year, the Pyramid Mall (now Shops at Ithaca Mall) opened with a four-screen cinema, drawing more moviegoers away from downtown. The other downtown cinemas gradually closed their doors until only the State remained. Over the next two decades, the theater continued showing films and the occasional live performance or speaker, but the building gradually deteriorated with little upkeep.

The theater was purchased by Joe Ciaschi in 1989, who sold it in 1994 to the nonprofit Ithaca Performing Arts Center (IPAC) for $390,000. Volunteers led by the IPAC began efforts to preserve and restore the building, while still hosting occasional events and performances. In early 1996, the balcony wall separating the theater into two cinemas was removed after

Photo: Jon Reis Photography, 1976

twenty years. The State Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places later that year, but the IPAC had fallen behind on mortgage payments by 1997, prompting the property to be sold at a foreclosure auction. Ciaschi purchased it once again, for $290,000, with hopes that it could still be restored.

Second Act

At this point, Historic Ithaca took an active role in preserving the building. With a feasibility study on the landmark completed by the Community Arts Partnership, Historic Ithaca began negotiations to purchase the building, acquiring it in May 1998 with support from a New York State matching grant and significant community contributions. Over the next decade, the nonprofit organization rallied community and grant support to begin the daunting restoration process. Using their historic preservation expertise, Historic Ithaca installed a new roof with thermal insulation, repaired plasterwork, updated lighting and electrical systems, replaced plumbing and heating systems, and learned how to run a theater. During this process, the American Institute of Architects recognized the State Theatre as one of the 60 Most Significant Architectural Landmarks in New York State in 1999.

On December 5, 2001, The State Theatre reopened with an event billed as a “Community Ceremony and Celebration,” the culmination of tremendous time, energy, and philanthropy from community volunteers, local businesses, and local and state governments. Historic Ithaca continued to lead phase two of the renovation, including facade and marquee restoration, accessibility improvements, and restoration of interior design elements. In spring 2009, Historic Ithaca sold the property to State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc., a new non-profit organization dedicated to the continued preservation and operation of the building, allowing Historic Ithaca to return to its core mission of promoting architectural preservation programs and services throughout the local community.

Over the last decade, State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. has continued to invest in improving the building. In 2010, major upgrades were completed to the stage and fly-gallery, including a $92,000 rigging project that added 13 counterweight line sets to the existing system allowing greater programming options and a more professional production space. Other projects over the last decade include repairing and repainting damaged plaster throughout the interior (2011), installing a digital movie projector to bring movies back (2012), upgrading the backstage and

artist hospitality area (2014), and renovating the balcony level restrooms (2015). Additional projects include improvements to the entire front entrance and lobby, repairing and replacing the ceiling “starlight” bulbs, converting many of the over 3,000 light bulbs to light-emitting diode (LED) technology, adding an insulated load-in door to improve energy efficiency, improving accessibility, and restoring the original 1928 poster boards on the exterior of the building that showcase upcoming performances.

The State Theatre of Ithaca recently completed a renovation project that improved the quality of experience for visitors, particularly those who require greater accessibility. Prior to the summer of 2018, only 5 out of the theatre’s 1600 seats, were ADA compliant. This project increased that number to 12 ADA compliant seats, which were installed in strategic locations around the downstairs orchestra section and in areas near the top of the downstairs seating area. The State Theatre consulted with the Finger Lakes Independence Center and received guidance on how to distribute the seats, accounting for ideal sight lines to the stage. Additionally, the theatre installed two extra wide “buddy” seats which can accommodate couples, parents with small children and larger patrons who don’t feel comfortable in the regular-sized theatre seats. The State Theatre also added more than 30 new cushioned removable seats to the front orchestra section, which has a newly refinished floor. They will be used for reserved-seated shows, but can be packed away easily for general admission events, creating more space in front of the stage. This entire project, including the new seats and additional work to the theater, cost around $100,000 in total, and were the theatre’s biggest upgrades since a major renovation of the primary restroom facilities during the summer of 2015. In an effort to make Ithaca’s last remaining historic performing arts theatre more inclusive for all populations, The State Theatre has been exploring ways to improve accessibility for several years and is looking forward to future renovations.

Without the support, hard work, and dedication of countless individuals and numerous local organizations, The State Theatre would not have reached its 90th birthday. Not only is the building an historic and culturally important landmark, it is a testament to Ithaca’s community spirit and investment in the arts. Happy birthday, State Theatre, and best wishes for 91 more years of entertainment.

Enjoy a great performance here tonight.

Enjoy a great performance with us every day.

We are proud supporters of theatre in our community.

Thank you for all the amazing performances. You move us, inspire us, transport us. Thank you for adding so much magic to our lives.

by Robbie Dein